Paint is intended to enhance our homes, but unfortunately, conventional paints are simultaneously having a negative impact on our indoor and outdoor environments. While lead may have been removed from most paints over the last few decades, what remains in conventional paint products isn't much better—chemicals, microplastics, and often, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a significant source of air pollution and can cause serious health issues due to the off-gassing that occurs during the drying process. This also contributes to ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to VOCs, conventional paints involve the use of heavy metals and industrial pigments that further pollute the environment. The production of these paints consumes high amounts of energy and water, leaving a substantial environmental footprint. Moreover, waste disposal is a major concern. Conventional paint is classified as hazardous waste because of toxic chemicals like cadmium and chromium. This means you can't simply discard leftover paint in the trash, as improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

It's not an easy problem to make disappear either as models project that paint waste takes 700 years to break down in landfills. To put this into perspective, Americans discard an estimated 65 to 69 million gallons annually, as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Furthermore, a significant amount of paint is entering oceans—more than previously thought. "Paint particles constitute over half of all microplastics that enter the world's oceans and waterways each year", as highlighted in a 2022 study by Swiss-based Environmental Action.

But there are positive, natural alternatives to conventional paint. Bauwerk Limewash Paint is non-polluting. Our production process produces no toxic by-products. In fact, all that is left at the end of manufacturing is a minute amount of non-hazardous waste –sand! There are no nasty chemicals used–instead, a straightforward list of natural materials to create the base as well as colour the paint. These ingredients are transformed into a natural paint product using a centuries-old technique that harnesses the natural elemental cycle of fire, water and air.

Bauwerk Limewash Paint is entirely carbon-neutral once applied, as the drying process actually captures CO2, much like a plant does. Our limewash can be disposed of easily and safely, posing no risk to waterways or soil. These are just a few examples of what our paint does and doesn't do and the impact this has on both you and the environment. Learn more below...

Conventional Paint is a leading polluter causing significant environmental impacts both globally and closer to home…as in, literally, inside your home. By choosing natural paints, you can not only create a healthier indoor environment but also help reduce the larger environmental impact and health risks associated with conventional paint products.

Paint historically originated from natural materials. However, over the last 80 years, chemicals and synthetic materials have become a part of the entire life cycle of conventional paint. From manufacturing and application to disposal, conventional paint has detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. Returning to natural paints is a crucial choice for several reasons:

Indoor Air Quality: Did you know that air pollution levels can be up to 2000 times higher indoors than outdoors? Considering that most people spend 80% of their time indoors, this is a significant concern. Natural paints contribute to better indoor air quality by reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

Health Risks: Lead, chromium, and cadmium are commonly found in pigments of conventional paints. They are highly toxic, known to cause cancer and other health issues. Additionally, conventional paints often contain petrochemicals, solvents like benzene and formaldehyde, both carcinogenic.

Special paint finishes that offer benefits such as waterproofing, or stain resistance rely on PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as ‘forever chemicals’.  These chemicals do not biodegrade and are found in our water systems, air and animals, our blood and even human breast milk. They are also linked to metabolism changes, fertility issues and even increases in obesity and cancer. And once these super polluters are released, they are difficult, if not impossible, to remove. 

One of the main health and environmental issues associated with paint is VOC emissions.  VOCs are organic chemical compounds that evaporate easily in the atmosphere, many of which are highly toxic and linked with numerous health problems such as respiratory disease, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation, liver and kidney damage and even cancer. 

Environmental Impacts: In their most basic form, conventional paints are plastic– synthetic materials made from petrochemicals with chemicals like biocides and pesticides to maintain their shelf-life and special features. 

Are you aware that the paint and architectural coatings industry is Australia’s second-biggest polluter of the environment? Or that it's estimated that producing one tonne of gloss or semi-gloss acrylic paint can result in up to 30 tonnes of non-degradable toxic waste? So, while choosing between paint colors may seem like it’s the major decision, it's nothing compared to choosing products that have significant impacts, both on our health and the planet. 

Bauwerk Limewash Paints are an exceptionally eco-friendly choice, crafted from natural materials through a low-impact process that eliminates chemicals and toxins. Since 1999, Bauwerk Colour has produced paints free from solvents or petrochemical compounds, instead choosing to embrace centuries-old limewash techniques, updated to work in modern homes. Every day, we make strategic decisions to create a paint that is healthy for our employees, customers and the planet. And if we can’t achieve that—we don’t do it.

Our paints use calcium carbonate, a widely available raw material, as the base. Unlike synthetic paints that rely on chemical reactants, our paints interact with carbon dioxide in the air during application, resulting in a non-toxic process with zero polluting by-products. Our manufacturing process leaves only sand as residue, and we power our factory and offices with green energy. Bauwerk paints are tinted using natural pigments, free from cadmium and VOCs, and we offer titanium dioxide-free whites.

Every paint product in the Bauwerk Colour range is certified by GECA certification, setting us apart from many competitors whose certifications only cover base ingredients.

Key features of Bauwerk Paints include:

• No solvents, biocides, preservatives, or fungicides or other cancer-causing ingredients
• No animal products 
• No substances harmful to the human reproductive system
• No cadmium-based pigments
• No VOC (content below 0.0%)

We are continuously exploring opportunities to improve our packaging and overall sustainability practices. You can learn more about Our Initiatives here.

Acrylic paints, even those labeled as environmentally friendly, differ significantly from limewash paint in terms of composition, application, and functionality.

Ingredients & their impact

You know that "just painted" smell – the familiar scent that signals a freshly painted room? It's actually a warning sign; those chemicals in the air are not good for you… Unfortunately, the bulk of the decorative paint market, even environmentally friendly options are still in their most basic form – plastic, synthetic materials made from petrochemicals. While some have made recent improvements to their environmental impact, reducing VOCs or removing harmful additives, these products are still fundamentally chemical-based. Even water-based paints, often touted as safer alternatives, require a cocktail of chemicals including biocides and pesticides to prevent mold growth.

Bauwerk Limewash Paints are made from natural materials. This is different from being a conventional low or zero VOC paint—which often just means the paint is made from plastics with one toxic part removed. Here are the four sustainable, low-impact materials that make up Bauwerk limewash paint:

1. Limestone
2. Water
3. Natural minerals
4. Thickener
   

These ingredients are transformed into a decorative coating using the natural elements of fire, water, and air, converting stone into a liquid form. Our product is 96% natural, with the remaining 4% being a binder similar to the lick-able adhesive found on the back of an envelope!

How they work

Conventional decorative paints work by forming a film over the surface material. When exposed to heat, moisture, or a combination of both, this paint film can lift from the surface and blister, bubble, and peel.

Bauwerk limewash paint operates in a completely different manner. The liquid paint absorbs into the surface, fossilizing as it does, and returns to a stone-like state. This process offers several benefits:

• CO2 Absorption: During the drying phase, limewash absorbs CO2, similar to how a plant does.
• Breathability: Limewash allows walls to breathe and manage humidity effectively.
• Structural Benefits: It strengthens and safeguards masonry surfaces by maintaining alkaline levels and is non-flammable.

Another difference between limewash and other surface finishes, is that layer after layer of this paint can be applied without significantly building up the surface or risking adverse reactions between materials. Each coat enhances the existing layers, making whites more brilliant and colors richer and more complex.

By understanding these differences, you can make more informed decisions about the paints you choose, contributing to a healthier environment and more resilient buildings.

Many paints are labelled low V.O.C but this doesn’t mean they are free from harmful chemicals. Many of the additives in water-based paints contain toxic biocides to stop mould in the can. Because our paint is completely free from VOC’s, biocides and formaldehyde it’s also free from dangerous off-gassing and fumes. This means you can paint without fumes and headaches. You can paint and sleep in your room the same day, even if you are suffering from asthma or chemical sensitivity. We’ve even seen some adventurous customers paint while carrying a baby! And of course, as it’s non-toxic, wash up and disposal is safe and non-polluting (as well as easy).

We’ve never considered Bauwerk just our business...it’s our life. That means the decisions we make for the company align with what we want for our family. This influences everything from the suppliers we use to the running of our day-to-day operations.

This starts with our material sourcing. We carefully select suppliers who operate responsibly, often opting for family-run businesses. For example, our limestone is quarried by a skilled family-run operation in Western Australia, preserving a traditional craft. Our pigments are sourced from natural clays and oxides and produced by family-owned, small-scale operators in economically disadvantaged rural areas. Ethical considerations also play a vital role, such as sourcing cobalt from ethically run mines or sensitively working with French suppliers of natural ochre deposits to not disrupt small villages, and rehabilitating mining sites once mining has concluded.

It's not only about the materials; it's also about the people we collaborate with. We are passionate about supporting traditional craftsmen, many of whom are among the last in their trade. When restoring buildings at our home and office, our goal is not only to preserve the heritage of these properties but also to sustain these invaluable skills for as long as possible.

For us, a healthy product isn’t just about the ecological impacts, but the effects it has on the people and the communities involved in the materials. 

Our paint is crafted from limestone, water, and natural pigments, using fire and air in its production process. We are deeply committed to the precise sourcing of these materials, ensuring they are sustainably and responsibly obtained.

Limestone is at the heart of our paint, and is an abundant natural resource on earth sourced from a local Western Australian. We also utilise lime putty, a waste product from limestone quarries that would otherwise be used as landfill. Renewable timber (mill ends and waste) is used for processing limestone, a Co2 neutral process. This process produces no toxic by-products or pollution of waterways. The production process uses non-potable water before the natural pigments are added. By using and recommending natural pigments, the consumption of industrially produced pigments (high energy input) is reduced. Wherever possible, the bases for our colours use naturally milled pigments. These coloured substances are sourced from around the world and come from the ground, a plant, or a mineral without chemical modification.

Conventional paint relies on tinting machines that use industrial pigments. This process is full of chemicals and solvents to maintain consistency. We do not use petrochemicals, solvents or synthetic colourants. Instead, we use natural clays, minerals and beautiful natural pigments. We source better quality, more refined ochres from natural deposits in France using traditional methods. There is great care in this process to have the least environmental impact as possible since ochre deposits are usually in, and between small villages. This material contributes to a more dynamic and higher quality product, a point of difference between Bauwerk paints and others. 

And we believe that just because we CAN make a colour, doesn’t mean we necessarily should.

Why we don’t create certain colours

We avoid making some colours altogether, due to the health-damaging properties of certain pigments. For instance, fire engine red, bright yellow and orange pigments are industrially made using cadmium. Cadmium is highly toxic and known to cause cancer amongst other issues, so it’s an easy decision for us to exclude these colours from our palette. We previously developed a very bright pink known as magenta. However, it created a lot of dust in the noses of our team. We prioritised the wellness of our Bauwerk family over the colour and no longer produce this shade of pink (but have plenty of other beautiful and healthy pinks to choose from).

Yes, some colours require extra consideration regarding their source. For instance, not all cobalt is created equal. We use ethically sourced and mined cobalt to support the supply chains that adhere to environmental and social standards. This commitment protects workers and avoids environmental impacts such as deforestation, soil erosion and water contamination.

We think that it’s not enough to have a clean, safe and sustainable product—the production process needs to match. That is why we have chosen to use ‘soft technology’ that is greenhouse gas neutral, non-polluting and utilises abundant and renewable resources. We use only 100% green power for our manufacturing, warehousing, office and retail operations.

You may have heard us talk about our elemental production process using earth, fire, water and air. It may sound too simplified for a modern product, but it’s actually an amazingly efficient and natural circular process. You can read more about it here.

The advantage of using a natural process is the elimination of industrial chemicals that pollute the environment. In fact, our paint production primarily occurs within an environmentally protected wildlife area. While we make paint, our bees produce honey, birds and bats thrive in the sanctuary, and our newly installed kitchen garden grows just outside the window. Literally all happening on the same site, side by side. It's not just where we work; it's our home too... Learn more about Bauwerk’s Headquarters.

We honour traditional, 'old fashioned' techniques when creating our limewash, refusing to create hybrids or add acrylics to our limewash. Our process remains true to the way it was done for centuries, enhanced by modern advancements in systematized production. Much like a winemaker or master craftsman, we have developed a deep understanding of limewash, honouring its nuances and perfecting its manufacture. Utilising these traditional methods also eliminates plastics, chemicals and other polluting materials and processes.

Often the characteristics that make it wash and wear and durable are a very toxic mix of products like teflon and vinyls. All this is disguised as making paint indestructible–but in reality, it is a plastic coating on every surface.

The flip side of forever

Many paint companies sell you on a perfect finish that lasts. Unfortunately, what enables your wall to stay the same forever, means the harmful things in that paint stick around in the environment…forever. Special finishes like matte, washable and water-repellant paints come with hidden risks. While they offer benefits such as waterproofing, stain resistance and corrosion prevention they rely on PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as ‘forever chemicals’.  These chemicals do not biodegrade and are found in our water systems, air and animals, our blood and even human breast milk. They are also linked to metabolism changes, fertility issues and even increases in obesity and cancer. And once these super polluters are released, they are difficult, if not impossible, to remove. 

Children, who are often the reason for choosing washable paints, are especially vulnerable to these health risks. We encourage you to be aware of the downsides of perfection, and embrace a level of character in our homes and choose products that are safer for everyone. Nothing is nature is perfect–it is perfectly imperfect and things are supposed to wear and evolve over time. 

Replace the maintenance routine of wiping off your walls with a sponge with a brush stroke to significantly reduce contaminants in your home for everyone, not just children. Bauwerk Colour paints can easily cover marks with a fresh coat, or if it’s one of our 12 lightest shades, you can patch over affected areas.  While we acknowledge there are some differences with limewash paint…like it won’t be here forever, we also think that’s a good thing.

Your home is like the skin of your body and to remain intact, it must not be covered with a plastic film. Applying limewash to your walls is like adding a moisturiser to your skin. It becomes part of you, nourishing you as it gradually ages away over time. Using a breathable coating allows your walls to breathe and maintain a healthy micro-climate. The paint’s humidity-regulating properties contribute to a healthier environment, particularly for individuals with allergies or chemical sensitivity. 

It protects against the weather and adverse pollutants. It strengthens and protects masonry surfaces by maintaining alkaline levels. And as it’s completely mineral-based, Bauwerk paints are non-flammable, 100% UV stable, and have very low surface tension. Our paints are also naturally antibacterial.